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Rollins previews USDA’s beef industry revitailization plan

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says the USDA is working on short-term and long-term solutions to help revitalize the U.S. beef industry.

Brooke Rollins says beef demand remains strong as the U.S. beef inventory is the lowest it’s been in 75 years.

“Low inventory and high demand isn’t sustainable if we wish to be a country that feeds ourselves.”

Rollins says the USDA currently has no plans to offer payments to beef producers, but the plan will open up more working lands, expand risk mitigation tools and help the next generation of beef producers.

Mike Deering with the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association says he was encouraged by Rollins’ comments, especially expanding risk mitigation tools.

“To allow cattle producers to take advantage of those and hedge their bet a little bit. And to even feel more comfortable expanding, retaining heifers and doing those kinds of things.”

Deering says he’s looking for more clarification from the administration moving forward.

Rollins says more details will be revealed with the U.S. Department of Interior’s Doug Burgum at a roll-out in mid-October.

Rollins made those comments at the Ag Outlook Forum in Kansas City, an event sponsored by the Kansas City Agribusiness Council and Agri-Pulse Communications.